Asian Beef Brisket

This is an easy and delicious way to prepare brisket. The anise seed gives it a distinctive flavor. The meat can be served hot or cold, and is even better the next day. Based on a recipe by Hawaiian chef Sam Choy.

Ingredients

4-5 pound beef brisket

1 quart beef broth

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1/3 cup soy sauce

8 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

4 ounces fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons whole anise seed

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

Yield

8

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels, and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Add the oil to the pot on the stovetop. Sear the brisket on each side over medium-high heat. Add the broth and the soy sauce to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the garlic, ginger, cilantro, aniseed, 1/4 tsp. ground pepper, and the sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, cover, transfer to the oven, and cook for 2–1/2 hrs, or until the meat is fork tender, but not falling apart.
Transfer the meat to a shallow baking dish and cover with tightly with foil or a lid while you finish the sauce. Strain the sauce through a mesh sieve and return to the pot. Return pot to the cooktop, and bring to a rapid boil, uncovered. Let it reduce to about half, until it starts to become syrupy.
Slice meat across the grain. Spoon reduced sauce over meat and serve.

Hints

This cooks best in large dutch oven or heavy stockpot with a tight-fitting lid.